US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

Recent data reveals a complex picture for the US rail freight market: carload volume saw a slight increase, but intermodal volume declined, reflecting challenges in economic recovery. While cumulative year-to-date figures show growth, concerns remain regarding supply chains and labor shortages. Railroad companies should focus on improving efficiency, strengthening collaboration, and embracing digital transformation to address future challenges. The decrease in intermodal volume suggests a potential shift in freight transport patterns or underlying economic pressures impacting consumer demand and international trade.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

Global Supply Chain Disruptions Prolong Lead Times for Businesses

The global supply chain faces severe challenges, with lead times reaching record highs and accelerating due to port congestion, raw material shortages, and labor shortages. Companies are actively responding by exploring alternative ports, using air freight instead of sea freight, and planning ahead. Labor shortage is the most significant challenge, with unsustainable price levels. It is recommended that companies strengthen risk management, diversify suppliers, optimize inventory, and embrace digital transformation to mitigate these disruptions and build resilience in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a webinar focusing on enhancing customs resilience through human capital development. Key areas discussed included organizational culture, working models, skills enhancement, and digital transformation. The webinar provided strategic guidance and practical experiences for customs administrators worldwide, aiming to improve human resource management practices within customs administrations globally. It emphasized the importance of investing in people to build stronger, more adaptable customs organizations capable of navigating evolving challenges and contributing to global trade security and facilitation.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Port Congestion Exposes Infrastructure Gaps Future Challenges

US Port Congestion Exposes Infrastructure Gaps Future Challenges

US ports are facing congestion and infrastructure challenges. Strengthening infrastructure construction is crucial to address the impact of the pandemic. Attention should be paid to digital transformation and talent development to improve efficiency and resilience. Investment in port infrastructure is needed to alleviate bottlenecks and ensure smooth supply chain operations. Modernization and technological upgrades are also vital for long-term competitiveness and to handle increasing cargo volumes. Addressing these issues will be essential for maintaining a stable and efficient supply chain.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Supply Chains Adapt to Postpandemic Challenges

Global Supply Chains Adapt to Postpandemic Challenges

Following widespread vaccine adoption, supply chains will face opportunities including demand recovery, optimization, and technology adoption. However, challenges such as demand volatility, labor shortages, geopolitical risks, and inflationary pressures will also emerge. Companies should implement diversified, flexible, and digital strategies. Strengthening risk management and collaboration, while focusing on sustainability, is crucial. Building a more resilient supply chain is essential to navigate future uncertainties and adapt to the evolving landscape. These strategies will enable businesses to better withstand disruptions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Freight Logistics Faces Challenges and Opportunities Alixpartners

Freight Logistics Faces Challenges and Opportunities Alixpartners

In an interview, AlixPartners expert Marc Iampieri analyzes the current challenges facing the freight logistics industry, including geopolitics, rising costs, and supply chain uncertainty. He emphasizes that digital transformation, data analytics, sustainability, and strengthened collaboration are key strategies for companies to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. These approaches enable businesses to improve efficiency, visibility, and resilience in a volatile market. Embracing these strategies is crucial for long-term success and maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving freight logistics landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Freight Logistics Faces Rising Challenges Alixpartners

Global Freight Logistics Faces Rising Challenges Alixpartners

In an interview, Marc Iampieri of AlixPartners delves into the challenges facing freight logistics services, including supply chain disruptions and slow digital transformation. He emphasizes the need for companies to embrace innovative technologies, optimize operational processes, and build more resilient supply chains. Iampieri highlights the importance of refined management and data-driven decision-making to achieve sustainable growth in the freight logistics sector. He advocates for proactive strategies to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities in this dynamic landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Transportation Insight Offers Free TMS to Ease SME Logistics Costs

Transportation Insight Offers Free TMS to Ease SME Logistics Costs

Transportation Insight Holding Company launched a free Transportation Management System (TMS) as part of its Beon digital logistics platform, aiming to lower the barrier to entry for SMEs in logistics digitalization. This TMS offers AI-powered technology, a vast carrier network, and expert services to help SMEs optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. By providing accessible and advanced tools, Beon empowers small and medium-sized businesses to streamline their supply chains and achieve greater efficiency in a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Nextgen 2025 Conference Highlights Future Logistics Trends

Nextgen 2025 Conference Highlights Future Logistics Trends

The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference brings together over 200 industry leaders, focusing on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital twins, supply chain resilience, and sustainability. Through a combination of keynote speeches and case studies, the conference provides attendees with immediately applicable practical guidance, helping companies build more efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging technology and innovative strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of supply chain management and achieve a competitive advantage.

10/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Weber Raises Prices Amid Soaring Shipping Costs

Weber Raises Prices Amid Soaring Shipping Costs

Weber grills faced a quadruple surge in sea freight costs, forcing multiple price increases. This analysis examines their response strategies, the influencing factors in the sea freight market, and future prospects. It offers insights for other businesses on supply chain risk management, diversification, and digital transformation. Data analytics provides decision support in areas such as freight rate forecasting and supply chain optimization. The case highlights the importance of proactive strategies to mitigate the impact of volatile shipping costs on profitability and competitiveness.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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